COUNTY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT AND CLOSURE SCHEDULES

COUNTY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT AND CLOSURE SCHEDULES

Most Dona Ana County offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, 2006, to allow employees to observe the Independence Day holiday. Emergency services and law enforcement will not be affected.

The closures also affect the county’s solid-waste convenience stations in Anthony, La Mesa, Hill, Butterfield, Mesquite, La Union, Hatch and Garfield, all of which will close Tuesday, July 4. The transfer stations will reopen Friday, July 7, 2006.

The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department and the Doña Ana County Fire Marshal's Office will team with other regional law-enforcement agencies and entities to enforce traffic laws and fireworks restrictions now in place.

“We encourage everyone to have a safe holiday,” said Doña Ana County Sheriff Todd Garrison. “To help ensure public safety, we’ll be working hand-in-hand with other agencies to stop drunk drivers, to prosecute the illegal use of restricted fireworks and to monitor traffic throughout the county. We’re expecting a busy Fourth of July season, and we’re hopeful the public will work with us to protect our communities and residents.”

Residents who use non-restricted fireworks can enhance safety by having a responsible adult in charge of lighting all fireworks. Keep fireworks out of the hands of children and people who have been drinking. Light all approved fireworks on a flat, hard surface with no nearby vegetation and make sure to have a water source available in the event of a mishap.